If you have been summoned by the police, arrested, or accused of a crime in Korea, the first 48–72 hours often decide the outcome. Attorney Doyun Lee, a KBA-certified criminal law specialist, defends foreign nationals directly in English.
A criminal case in Korea moves fast, and for a foreign national the stakes go beyond the sentence: an investigation can trigger a travel ban, and a conviction can lead to visa cancellation or deportation. Handling the criminal case and the immigration consequence separately is a common and costly mistake.
The single most important rule is simple: do not give a statement before you have spoken to a lawyer. Statements made during questioning become part of the official record and are very difficult to retract later.
Sexual offense allegations and digital sex crimes (illegal filming, obscene communication, CSEM allegations). DUI and traffic-related crimes. Drug allegations. Fraud and voice-phishing accomplice allegations. Assault, threats, and stalking. Both defense for the accused and representation for victims filing complaints.
Write down the timeline while your memory is fresh, preserve any messages or files that support your account, and do not delete anything. Do not attempt to "explain it away" to the other party or the police before you understand how your words will be read.
An interpreter provided at the station translates the questions, but does not protect your interests or build your statement strategy. You have the right to counsel during police and prosecutor questioning in Korea — use it before, not after, your first statement.
Depending on the charge and outcome, a criminal case can affect your status of residence, lead to a travel ban during the investigation, and in serious cases result in deportation. Because of this, the defense strategy has to account for the immigration angle from the start. Attorney Doyun Lee reviews both together.
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Do not give a statement before consulting a lawyer. Preserve evidence, write down the timeline, and contact Attorney Doyun Lee — mark your email URGENT (dylee@newlawyer.co.kr). For foreigners, the case can also affect your visa and travel.
It can, depending on the charge and the result. That is why the criminal defense and the immigration consequence should be handled together rather than in separate offices.
No. An interpreter translates words but does not build your defense or protect your interests. You have the right to counsel during questioning; retain a lawyer before your first statement.
Yes. Attorney Doyun Lee consults directly in English and handles cases remotely nationwide; the retainer is signed electronically.
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Advertising Attorney: Doyun Lee, KBA-certified criminal law specialist, Newlawyer Law Office. This page is general legal information and does not guarantee any specific result.